Bleacher Report - Denver Broncoshttp://bleacherreport.com/
Bleacher Report - The open source sports networken-us30Complete Denver Broncos Training Camp PreviewCecil Lammey<p>Football is back! The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a> kick off training camp Friday morning, and they&rsquo;ll be working diligently over the next month to find the best 53-man roster possible.</p>
<p>During camp, players will have an opportunity to make a name for themselves. The team will use a variety of drills, plays and scrimmages to decide which players are best to make the final roster.</p>
<p>Training camp is the time for older players to prove they deserve to stick around. It&rsquo;s also a time for rookies to showcase their talent.</p>
<p>Players on the bubble will be given a chance to earn a spot. Others who don&rsquo;t take advantage of their opportunity may find themselves on the outside looking in.</p>
<p>In this article, let&rsquo;s preview the Broncos&rsquo; 2015 training camp as they prepare for a Super Bowl run.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2534130-complete-denver-broncos-training-camp-preview">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Fri, 31 Jul 2015 07:00:01 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2534130-complete-denver-broncos-training-camp-preview
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2534130-complete-denver-broncos-training-camp-previewhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2534130-complete-denver-broncos-training-camp-previewFootballNFLAFC WestDenver BroncosPeyton ManningPreview/PredictionRonnie HillmanSylvester WilliamsLatest Buzz Surrounding the Denver Broncos Ahead of Training Camp John Lund<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">For many fans in Mile High, Friday serves as one of several Christmas mornings during the football season, as the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a> open the first of&nbsp;14 training camp practices to the public at the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre in Englewood, Colorado on July 31.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Almost all teams enter camp with question marks for the upcoming season, and Denver is no exception. One of the biggest questions that will need to be answered in August is how the Broncos plan to protect their 39-year-old quarterback for 16 games and beyond.</p>
<p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/peyton-manning">Peyton Manning</a> was banged up for the tail-end of last season and the playoff loss to the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/indianapolis-colts">Colts</a> with a tear in his right quad, which certainly limited his performances.</p>
<p>Now a year older, things won't get any easier health-wise for the future Hall of Famer, and new head coach Gary Kubiak has a tough task ahead to mesh Manning with his running-style offense.</p>
<p>The pressure will obviously be put on the offensive line to not only protect Manning, but to open up holes for the Denver running backs. A strong running game will help open up the passing game, but only if the line can make it happen.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Four of Denver's five starters on the offensive line will be new faces this season, with the only returning starter being Louis Vasquez, who moves to right guard after playing half of last season as right tackle.</p>
<p>The Broncos suffered a huge blow to their line when All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady tore his ACL in May. Denver has been scrambling to find the right fit and looked to Ty Sambrailo, a second-round pick, who will mostly likely fill in the blank to protect Manning's blind side.</p>
<p>Ben Garland, a former defensive linemen, is slated for left guard, and Chris Clark has come into camp as a starter at right tackle. Michael Schofield and Ryan Harris&mdash;who was signed after the Clady injury&mdash;will also compete for a spot.</p>
<p>Denver's latest attempt to bolster its line came on Thursday when the team met with Jake Long, the former No. 1 draft pick of <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/miami-dolphins">Miami</a> in 2008. The 30-year-old was released by the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> in the spring after missing nine games with his second torn ACL.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>However, ESPN.com writer Jeff Legwold <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/13845/broncos-interest-in-jake-long-depends-on-longs-health">reported Thursday</a> that&nbsp;team executive vice president of football operations/general manager John Elway will not sign Long&mdash;at least not yet. According to Elway:</p>
<p>"We brought him in, we&rsquo;re doing out homework on him," he said. "&hellip; We&rsquo;ll continue to look at all our different options in training camp. We wanted to bring him in and take a look at him, but at this point in time we&rsquo;re not going to make any move."</p>
<p>Kubiak's passing schemes will feature several sets with two tight ends, which might give enough extra help on the edges to give Manning time to run the plays.</p>
<p>Plans are already in place to further help Manning's health, even though it's only training camp.</p>
<p><em>USA Today's</em> Lindsay Jones <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2015/07/30/peyton-manning--take-days-off-during-denver-training-camp/30908671/?utm_source=feedblitz&amp;utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&amp;utm_campaign=usatodaycomnfl-topstories">also reported Thursday</a> that Denver plans to rest Manning each week, stating:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>This training camp will be markedly different for Manning, in that every three or four days he will be sent to the sidelines. The Broncos are hoping the added rest will help keep Manning fresh, while also giving much-needed practice time to backup Brock Osweiler, who despite having been on the roster for three years, has rarely spent full practices running the first-team offense.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And though the veteran quarterback may not be happy while watching action from the sidelines, Jones also reported some comments from Elway regarding the decision. Elway noted:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The key thing with Peyton, and I think Peyton is on board with it, is that even though you can't feel it now, and if you're doing too much work now, eventually that's going to catch up to you. At 37, 38, 39-years-old, where he is, you can't make that up at the end. It's going to be important that he's a part of that management process and going to be able to take some time off to where he is just as good late as he is early, and we don't wear him down.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Manning won't be the only Bronco taking it easy. Andrew Mason reported <a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/No-Broncos-on-PUP-list-but-Green-among-five-who-will-be-eased-into-work/358c1a8f-0147-4794-8842-897f72671371">for denverbroncos.com</a> that five players&mdash;tight end Virgil Green, linebackers <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/brandon-marshall">Brandon Marshall</a> and Danny Trevathan, defensive end Antonio Smith and wide receiver <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/demaryius-thomas">Demaryius Thomas</a>&mdash;will be limited when training camp begins.</p>
<p>As it stands, the following weeks will be a great way for the Broncos to see what they'll have on the offensive line and what changes they might need to make before Week 1.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Manning has a lot to learn in Kubiak's system, but he should learn quickly and begin developing a rhythm with the running game and receiving corps.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Denver brass are also wise to manage Manning's health early, as the protection he receives in the pocket could be what makes or breaks the Broncos offense this season&mdash;an offense which is already expected to win a division title.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos" title="Denver Broncos analysis, news and photos">Denver Broncos</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>Fri, 31 Jul 2015 00:28:17 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2535765-latest-buzz-surrounding-the-denver-broncos-ahead-of-training-camp
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2535765-latest-buzz-surrounding-the-denver-broncos-ahead-of-training-camphttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2535765-latest-buzz-surrounding-the-denver-broncos-ahead-of-training-campFootballNFLAFC WestDenver BroncosPeyton ManningGary KubiakJohn ElwayJake LongPreview/PredictionNFL Training CampHow Denver Broncos Can Absorb the Loss of Derek Wolfe Travis Wakeman<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">By now, you may or may not have heard the <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/07/24/derek-wolfe-suspended-four-games-for-ped-policy-violation/">news</a> that <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a> defensive end Derek Wolfe has been suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season. This was the result of Wolfe violating the league's policy regarding performance enhancing substances, according to ESPN's Adam <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Schefter</span></span>.</p>
<p>The Broncos are set to open training camp Friday, and the situation facing the team now that Wolfe will miss the first quarter of the season is one of the main topics that could be on the minds of fans attending the practices.</p>
<p>Though the loss of Wolfe won't hurt the Broncos as much as the pending suspension facing the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/new-england-patriots">New England Patriots</a> and their quarterback Tom Brady, it will still be tough not having him out there.</p>
<p>Wolfe's play as a run-stopper was always perfect for a 4-3 defensive alignment. With the team switching to a 3-4 with Wade Phillips coming in as defensive coordinator, big things were expected from Wolfe as a defender who could set the edge and take on defenders, opening spots for the guys behind him to make big plays.</p>
<p>Though Wolfe isn't a flashy player and he doesn't put up huge statistics, the little things he does to make the defense flow should not go unnoticed.</p>
<p>Last season, Wolfe ranked No. 2 among all defensive ends in defending the run, according to <a href="https://www.profootballfocus.com/data/by_position.php?tab=by_position&amp;season=2014&amp;pos=DE3&amp;runpass=&amp;teamid=-1&amp;numsnaps=25&amp;numgames=1&amp;conf=-1&amp;yr=-1&amp;wk=1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17">Pro Football Focus</a>. Right behind him at No. 3 was his teammate, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Malik</span></span> Jackson. Having both of them on the same line in a 3-4 defense would benefit the Broncos in a big way.</p>
<p>But for the first four games, Denver will have to turn elsewhere. So how does the team replace Wolfe's productivity for those first four games? It could take much of training camp to find a solid answer.</p>
<p>Here are the players to keep an eye on during team practices.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Antonio Smith</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13335042/denver-broncos-expecting-antonio-smith-training-camp">According to Jeff <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Legwold</span></span> of ESPN.com</a>, Antonio Smith will take part in practices once training camp opens despite the legal matters hanging over him.</p>
<p>That is good news for the Broncos, particularly because the team needs as much depth as it can get along the defensive line. But it's great news because Smith is familiar with the defense Phillips likes to run.</p>
<p>From 2011 to 2013, Smith racked up 18.5 sacks in <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/houston-texans">Houston</a> under the guidance of Phillips. But how does he do against the run? During those same years, Pro Football Focus <a href="https://www.profootballfocus.com/data/by_position.php?tab=by_position&amp;season=2013&amp;pos=DE4&amp;runpass=&amp;teamid=-1&amp;numsnaps=25&amp;numgames=1&amp;conf=-1&amp;yr=-1&amp;wk=1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17">ranked</a> Smith no higher than No. 23 among all 3-4 defensive ends in defending against the run.</p>
<p>Though Smith is probably a better pass-rusher than Wolfe, he is a far inferior run defender. This could relegate Smith to passing downs only, unless the team thinks he can get better in stopping the run.</p>
<p>The Broncos face some of the league's best running backs in the first four games, including Justin <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Forsett</span></span>, <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/jamaal-charles">Jamaal Charles</a> and <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/adrian-peterson">Adrian Peterson</a>. Finding the best replacement to slow down the running game will be imperative.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Vance Walker</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Vance Walker played several years with the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> as a part of a 4-3 defense. But when he had his chances last season with the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, he showed his value as a 3-4 defensive lineman.</p>
<p>The main reason the Broncos signed Walker is due to his versatility. He can line up at defensive end or nose tackle and can play a three-technique or five-technique. In other words, he's a player Phillips will love.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">HC</span></span> Gary Kubiak "disappointed'' with Derek Wolfe for 4-game suspension. First name he mentions as replacement: Vance Walker</p>
&mdash; Ed <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Werder</span></span> (@Edwerderespn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Edwerderespn/status/624641120174252033">July 24, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Walker has 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in his six-year career. These stats show he can get penetration in the backfield. Whether or not he can occupy defenders and eat double teams will be a key to him earning playing time in Denver.</p>
<p>If he can do that, he could be the guy who gets the shot to replace Wolfe as the starter.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Darius <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kilgo</span></span></strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>In the sixth round of the 2015 <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> draft, the Broncos selected Darius <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kilgo</span></span> out of Maryland. Though he may not be an exciting player, the Broncos felt he fit what the team was looking for.</p>
<p>During his four seasons at Maryland, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kilgo</span></span> notched 19.5 tackles for loss. Though his natural position is likely at nose tackle, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kilgo</span></span> could get a look at one of the defensive end spots with Wolfe out.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Darius <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kilgo</span></span> says he's learning all 3 spots on the <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">DL</span></span>, not just NT, but the 3- and 5-technique.</p>
&mdash; Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/625731372628336640">July 27, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kilgo</span></span> would have needed to have an impressive training camp to make the 53-man roster and avoid a stint on the practice squad, but his odds of making the team, at least for the first part of the year, are pretty good at the moment.</p>
<p>He is a strong, aggressive player who was a three-year starter in college. He is solid against the run, and that is where he can help this team. <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kilgo</span></span> will not get off his blocks and chase a quarterback around the backfield, but he can impede the running game.</p>
<p>Defensive line coach Bill <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kollar</span></span> should be able to help <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kilgo</span></span> fine-tune his skills and turn him into a good rotational player for this defense.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Kenny <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Anunike</span></span></strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Kenny <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Anunike</span></span> is the wild card, and with the loss of Wolfe and the lack of serious depth on the defensive line, his chances of making the final roster are looking better by the day.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But that was the case in 2014, too. <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Anunike</span></span> might have earned a spot on the roster as an undrafted rookie out of Duke, but an arm injury in the preseason finale against the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a> forced the team to place him on season-ending injured reserve.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It was an abrupt, unfortunate end to his rookie season, but <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Anunike</span></span> could be a player who enters camp hungry to earn what he easily could have last year. With a spot open due to Wolfe's absence, there should be added motivation.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kenny <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Anunike</span></span> "was one of the standout players" throughout the offseason, Kubiak said. "The effort's there, the ability's there."</p>
&mdash; Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/626849981211799552">July 30, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Anunike</span></span> is a strong, athletic player who the Broncos could use as both an edge-rusher on the defensive line or an outside linebacker, depending on the package. As we spoke about when discussing Walker's value to the team, Phillips likes versatility.</p>
<p>He'll have that in <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Anunike</span></span>, and with the help of <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kollar</span></span>, they could turn him into a monster who other teams don't find out about until it's too late. Of all the players to keep an eye on at training camp, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Anunike</span></span> is at or near the top of the list.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What is the best plan of attack?</strong></p>
<p>The Broncos have several players who can put the heat on quarterbacks. From Von Miller to DeMarcus Ware to Shane Ray to Jackson, the team will get after the passer.</p>
<p>Evaluating the best way to replace Wolfe for four games, it will be up to Phillips and the rest of the defensive coaching staff to determine the best way to defend the run.</p>
<p>As a result, putting Walker in the starting spot is probably the best move. He complements Jackson and Sylvester Williams best because he played in a 3-4 alignment last season.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Smith has played with Phillips before, but he should be used for what he does best and that is also rushing the passer. Smith, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kilgo</span></span> and <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Anunike</span></span> should be part of a rotation that spells Walker.</p>
<p>Phillips should put together several different packages to get all of these players into the game. Between them, they have a little bit of everything. The challenge will be to insert them into the game at the right moment.</p>
<p>The Broncos shouldn't plan on replacing Wolfe with just one player. Instead, using a platoon of defenders is likely the best route to take.</p>
<p>We also must keep in mind that Wolfe will be eligible to return to the field in Week 5 against the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>. Wolfe will be refreshed and ready to make a statement by that time, letting out the frustration of having to miss games on his opponents.</p>
<p>If you thought Wolfe wasn't an integral part of the Denver defense, you probably wouldn't be the first. But his presence on the field will be missed, and he won't be an easy player to replace, even if just for four games.</p>
<p>Once fans see what the team loses when Wolfe is gone, perhaps they'll realize his importance to the team and welcome him back with open arms when the Broncos battle the Raiders on Oct. 11 in Oakland.</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos" title="Denver Broncos analysis, news and photos">Denver Broncos</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>Thu, 30 Jul 2015 22:09:41 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2535688-how-denver-broncos-can-absorb-the-loss-of-derek-wolfe
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2535688-how-denver-broncos-can-absorb-the-loss-of-derek-wolfehttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2535688-how-denver-broncos-can-absorb-the-loss-of-derek-wolfeFootballNFLDenver BroncosOpinionWhat Should Denver Broncos Expect from Peyton Manning in 2015?Cecil Lammey<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a> have undergone massive changes this offseason. The biggest change might be at the head coaching position as Gary Kubiak takes over for John Fox as the lead man.</p>
<p>The offense won&rsquo;t be as wide-open with the passing game under Kubiak. Instead, the team should be more balanced offensively so Manning doesn&rsquo;t have to do everything.</p>
<p>Most people are wondering how Manning is going to mesh in the Kubiak offense. His system is going to be a lot different from what we&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> seen Manning operate during his Broncos career.</p>
<p>Kubiak liked what he saw from Manning earlier this year during workouts.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I think he&rsquo;s throwing the ball really well. I think he&rsquo;s getting real comfortable with what we are doing and then there are times we&rsquo;re turning loose with what he&rsquo;s done and obviously that&rsquo;s an easy comfort zone for him.&rdquo; Kubiak concluded, &ldquo;But he&rsquo;s been steady with what he&rsquo;s doing.&rdquo;</p>
<p>So what can we truly expect from Manning this season? In this article, we will examine the upcoming year from all angles.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Under Center</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>We&rsquo;ll see Manning under center more often than we have at any time during his Broncos career. The shotgun formation is not going to be utilized as much as we&rsquo;re used to seeing with Manning in Denver.</p>
<p>Kubiak was the offensive coordinator for the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/baltimore-ravens">Baltimore Ravens</a> last year, and he helped quarterback Joe <span class="spellcheck">Flacco</span> put up solid numbers as a passer. Those numbers were mostly compiled from under center.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Manning has worked hard this offseason to get to a proper comfort level with this offense.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The repetitions that you get hopefully shows some improvement from <span class="spellcheck">OTAs</span> into training camp," Manning said. "Everybody has been working hard, but we&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> still got to improve the rest of this week. I think next week is important. I think training camp will be really important.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Manning&rsquo;s comfort under center will need to be at a high level in order for this offense to run as designed. We could see more shotgun under Kubiak than we did last year, and the Broncos might incorporate more pistol formations in order to find a happy medium.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Play-Action Passing</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The Broncos will use a punishing ground game to set up play-action passing. C.J. Anderson enters training camp as the starter, and he has the potential to lead the league in rushing in the Kubiak offense.</p>
<p>Manning is excited about Anderson&rsquo;s potential.</p>
<p>&ldquo;[RB] C.J. [Anderson], obviously I&rsquo;m getting more repetitions with him. C.J., if you talk to him, you think he&rsquo;s been a 12-yaer veteran starter and he&rsquo;s only started six games (laughing). I&rsquo;m getting a ton of reps with him.&rdquo; Manning emphasized, &ldquo;The sky is the limit for him, I will say that. I&rsquo;m glad to be in there working with him.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Manning&rsquo;s air yards per target (8.46) were barely above what <span class="spellcheck">Flacco</span> had (8.4) in the same category last year. Even though Manning should be using play-action passing more than he did last season, the length of the passes should be about the same compared to what we&rsquo;re used to.</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Flacco</span>&rsquo;s average time before pass (2.54 seconds) was around the league average in 2014 (2.53), but was slower than Manning (fastest time in the league) at 2.2 seconds. We could see that time elevate a bit for Manning working in this system.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Two Tight Ends </strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>A staple of the Kubiak offense is the two-tight end formation. Last year under Kubiak, <span class="spellcheck">Flacco</span> had 143 passing attempts with two or three tight ends on the field. By comparison, Manning only had 126 passing attempts in such formations. Both totals are much lower than the league leader, Tom Brady, who had 317 passing attempts in that personnel grouping.</p>
<p>Utilizing more than one tight end is not foreign to Manning. What&rsquo;s going to take some getting used to is the loss of both Julius Thomas and Jacob <span class="spellcheck">Tamme</span> in free agency. The Broncos responded to losing Thomas and <span class="spellcheck">Tamme</span> by adding Owen Daniels from the open market.</p>
<p>Daniels believes he can build chemistry with Manning.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> been putting in a lot of work together," Daniels explained. "Whether it&rsquo;s on the field or just being around each other, lifting or conditioning&mdash;he throws little tidbits my way even when we&rsquo;re not on the field. [For example], this is also a signal this or this is also what we&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> done in the past. I think it&rsquo;s been good.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Daniels continued, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s kind of hard not to create chemistry right away with that guy. The ball is always in the right spot and if I do something wrong he&rsquo;s a great coach about giving good tips and how to improve on that. I love it so far, I&rsquo;m looking forward to more.&rdquo;</p>
<p>In addition to Daniels, we&rsquo;ll see Virgil Green utilized more as a receiving weapon. He&rsquo;s developed into one of the best blocking tight ends in the league, and Green is a seriously underrated receiver. Daniels is likely to be the lead tight end, but Green should be used to move the chains as well.</p>
<p>A tight end who is listed at fullback, James Casey, is likely to be utilized as a receiver out of the backfield. Casey is a natural athlete, and he creates mismatches when going against linebackers in space. We could see Casey snare a similar number of passes to Green.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>New Offensive Line</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The offensive line is going to look vastly different this year compared to the unit that finished the 2014 season. Four of the five positions are going to have new starters, and there&rsquo;s plenty of inexperience with the guys who could be playing significant snaps.</p>
<p>Left tackle Ty <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> was a second-round pick in the 2015 <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> draft. He was expected to compete at right tackle as a rookie, but after Ryan <span class="spellcheck">Clady</span> went down with a knee injury in minicamp,&nbsp;<span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> will now be asked to protect Manning&rsquo;s blind side.</p>
<p>Left guard Ben Garland was a defensive lineman only two seasons ago. He spent the offseason working with the first-team unit, and now enters camp as the starter. However, he&rsquo;s going to have to hold off veteran free-agent addition Shelley Smith.</p>
<p>Center Gino <span class="spellcheck">Gradkowski</span> started every game for the Ravens in 2013, but he was replaced by Jeremy <span class="spellcheck">Zuttah</span> in 2014 and barely played. He&rsquo;s out to prove that he can be a quality starter, and he&rsquo;ll have to outperform second-year pro Matt <span class="spellcheck">Paradis</span> in training camp.</p>
<p>Right tackle is going to come down to either Chris Clark or Ryan Harris. Clark began the 2014 season as the starting right tackle, but he was replaced due to poor play. Perhaps Clark can show better with a large role <span>in the zone-blocking system</span>.</p>
<p>Manning is looking forward to building chemistry with the guys up front.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> still got a lot of time during training camp to get a lot of reps and form that kind of chemistry that you&rsquo;re trying to form," Manning said. "You&rsquo;re also going to be looking to form it during the season as well. It&rsquo;s an ongoing process. The key is to try keep improving.&rdquo;</p>
<p>No quarterback was blitzed more than <span class="spellcheck">Flacco</span> last year. His blitz-per-dropback rate (37.3 percent) was well above the league average (30.3) and Manning&rsquo;s rate (27.7). Defenses may try to blitz Manning more this year in the Kubiak system, and this offensive line has to be ready for that challenge.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Audibles</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Manning is famous for changing the play before the snap. He&rsquo;s been given <span class="spellcheck">carte</span> <span class="spellcheck">blanche</span> during most of his NFL career, but that might not be the case under Kubiak.</p>
<p>There have been adjustments to Manning&rsquo;s game, and that&rsquo;s not seen as a bad thing.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m committed and I&rsquo;m all in on trying to make any adjustments that I have to. At the same time, [I&rsquo;m] trying to do some of the same things that I&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> done well," Manning explained. "I&rsquo;m going to hopefully try and keep doing those things well and improve on things that I need to improve on.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The veteran quarterback has been energized by learning a new offense.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I think change&mdash;instead of being stymied by any type of change, you can be stimulated by them," he said. "That&rsquo;s been true for me and I think that&rsquo;s been a real positive, to tell you the truth.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Manning has to be allowed to change plays at the line of scrimmage. He may be directed to do that less often, but in critical situations it&rsquo;s wise to let Manning audible to the best play.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Age Catching Up With Him?</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Many fans are wondering if age has caught up with Manning after the way he struggled through the second part of last season and in the playoff loss to the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/indianapolis-colts">Indianapolis Colts</a>. The beating he took against the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> in Week 11 certainly started the downfall of his production. A quad injury against the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> in Week 15 really slowed Manning down.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Simply put, Manning doesn&rsquo;t see his age as a negative.</p>
<p>&ldquo;You always try to use your experience as a teacher. I&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> always tried to learn something from every repetition and situation&mdash;defense, the best way to counter it," Manning explained. "Hopefully you&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> got a pretty good storage file up there in your mind and in your memory that you can use to figure out kind of what works and kind of what you should do to adjust to different things.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Manning summarized, &ldquo;So I think that you try to use your experience in any way to help you. When you&rsquo;re dealing with some changes and adjustments, I think experience can help you that way as well.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Manning is not washed up&mdash;not by a <span class="spellcheck">long shot</span>. He&rsquo;ll be able to prove that he can play at a high level this season&mdash;so long as he can stay healthy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p>
<p>Many people have questioned how Kubiak and Manning will coexist this season. The answer is simple: fabulously. Both are among the best in the game, and they have the common goal of winning the Super Bowl in 2015.</p>
<p>Manning is engaged like never before.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I think everybody likes continuity and some consistency in what you&rsquo;re doing, but I will say at age 36 when I got here and now 39, that I have been stimulated by the changes, which I do think keeps you engaged and energetic and focused in meetings." Manning continued, "I can tell you one thing: I am not bored in the least bit. I&rsquo;m stimulated. I&rsquo;m studying and I feel like I&rsquo;m engaged and trying to learn something new from Gary Kubiak.&rdquo;</p>
<p>What should the Broncos expect from Manning in 2015? Nothing but the best.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand.&nbsp;Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database. </em></p>
<p><em>Contract and salary-cap information provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/"><span><span class="spellcheck">Spotrac</span></span></a>. Transaction history provided by&nbsp;</em><a href="http://prosportstransactions.com/"><em>Pro Sports Transactions</em></a><em>.</em>&nbsp;</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos" title="Denver Broncos analysis, news and photos">Denver Broncos</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>Thu, 30 Jul 2015 07:00:01 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2534706-what-should-denver-broncos-expect-from-peyton-manning-in-2015
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2534706-what-should-denver-broncos-expect-from-peyton-manning-in-2015http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2534706-what-should-denver-broncos-expect-from-peyton-manning-in-2015FootballNFLAFC WestDenver BroncosPeyton ManningPreview/PredictionWhy Ty Sambrailo Has Everything to Prove in Denver Broncos Training CampCecil Lammey<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a> kick off training camp at Dove Valley Friday afternoon, and there&rsquo;s much to be learned during the next few weeks. During the rigors of training camp, the team will be forged into the unit that is hopefully going to make a push for the Super Bowl in 2015.</p>
<p>Many things are different from last year to this year. The team has undergone major upheaval on the roster&mdash;and in the coaching staff&mdash;this offseason. Some changes happened because the Broncos couldn&rsquo;t afford to keep high-priced free agents. Some changes happened because injuries have already been a major factor for the team this offseason.</p>
<p>The biggest injury this offseason was that of Ryan <span class="spellcheck">Clady</span>. He went down during OTAs&nbsp;earlier this year, and the Broncos were sent scrambling to find a new starting left tackle.</p>
<p>They didn&rsquo;t have to look very far to peg rookie Ty <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> as that guy.</p>
<p>The Broncos acquired <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> in the second round of the 2015 <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> draft, and it was initially thought he could compete for the starting right tackle as a rookie. That all changed after the <span class="spellcheck">Clady</span> injury. Now, <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> has much more pressure on him as the starter at left tackle entering training camp.</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> has everything to prove in Broncos training camp. In this article, we&rsquo;ll examine what the future could hold for the rookie in 2015.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Zone Blocking </strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> played mostly left tackle during his time at Colorado State, and he played in a zone-blocking system. He understands the responsibility of protecting the passer, and <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> already knows the footwork required in this scheme.</p>
<p>The rookie acknowledged the fact that he has an easier transition because of the familiarity with the scheme.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Yeah, this is a very similar scheme to what I ran in college, as well, so the transition's been pretty smooth. [There are] a lot of the same schemes, just different verbiage.&rdquo; <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> exclaimed, &ldquo;It's been a pretty easy, quick transition mentally.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The verbiage is probably the most difficult thing for him to get used to.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It's just making sure when I hear something, I think of it in Denver Broncos terms and not <span class="spellcheck">CSU</span> [Colorado State University] Rams terms," he said. "It's just getting that transition down quickly, and I think I've been able to do that through <span class="spellcheck">OTAs</span>.&rdquo;</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> is ahead of the curve because of his experience in college. This will help him as he prepares to prove himself in training camp as the Broncos starter at left tackle.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Level of Competition</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>One of the knocks on <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> coming out of college was the lack of quality competition he faced in the Mountain West Conference. The best pass-rushers don&rsquo;t play in that conference, so <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> was never truly tested by elite defenders. The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> played one real powerhouse over the last two seasons (Alabama, 2013), and <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> did a good job in that game.</p>
<p>The rookie needs to prove that he can handle himself against elite-level defenders. Good thing he&rsquo;ll get a trial by fire in training camp.</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> is going to face tough competition every day from two of the best pass-rushers in the game. Linebackers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware should give <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> everything he can handle in practice. The young left tackle has learned a lot from the pass-rushing duo.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I think both are obviously great players and they're great teachers as well. They've helped me kind of correct some mistakes and kind of go through their thought process on why they do what they do, when they key stuff or they see areas and try to take advantage&mdash;just stuff I can work on like that.&rdquo; <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> summarized, &ldquo;It helps to talk to a couple good guys like that.&rdquo;</p>
<p>We should have a pretty good idea of where <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span>&rsquo;s skill set is at by the end of training camp. <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> won&rsquo;t see better pass-rushers in his rookie season than Miller and Ware, and the training against them in August should help immensely all year long.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Responsibility</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Playing left tackle in the NFL might be one of the most difficult positions to excel at in all of sports. That position is made even more difficult when the quarterback you must protect is 39-year-old <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/peyton-manning">Peyton Manning</a>.</p>
<p>The Super Bowl hopes for this team rely on Manning&rsquo;s health. As we saw last season, when Manning gets banged up, the team doesn&rsquo;t play as well.</p>
<p>Manning has been supportive of his rookie blindside protector this offseason.</p>
<p>&ldquo;He's been good and a good guy to talk to. Obviously, you don't want to upset him at all," Sambrailo said. "I&rsquo;m just trying to do everything right all the time and he's been good kind of helping me, asking me on protections what I was doing and what I was looking at, stuff like that.&rdquo;</p>
<p>One thing that helps <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> immensely is the fact that Manning gets rid of the ball so quickly. Even in a new offense, Manning will still make quick decisions with the football and find his targets before the pass rush gets to him.</p>
<p>Last year, Manning had the lowest time before pass (2.22 seconds) and time in the pocket (2.13 seconds) of every starting quarterback in the NFL. That&rsquo;s not going to change all of a sudden just because Manning is playing in a new offense.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Things have been accelerated for <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> this season, but at least he&rsquo;s had most of offseason workouts to get ready for the challenges presented by playing left tackle in the pros.</p>
<p>Head coach Gary Kubiak has praised <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> for his work this offseason.</p>
<p>&ldquo;If anything, with [T] Ryan [<span class="spellcheck">Clady</span>] getting injured and it happening so early, I think it has been beneficial to <span>Ty</span> because when he gets through with next week he&rsquo;s almost been through a training camp other than hitting,&rdquo; he said.</p>
<p>Kubiak continued, &ldquo;Mentally&mdash;those types of things&mdash;he&rsquo;s practically been through a training camp. So, it won&rsquo;t be his first rodeo come August. But, we&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> been very impressed with how he&rsquo;s worked and we know we&rsquo;re asking a lot of him and it&rsquo;s our job as coaches to make sure that we keep him taking the right steps, keep him comfortable.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> seems to have a good mindset as he enters training camp.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I'm just taking this whole thing one day at a time. I don't think I can look ahead right now and say, 'This is going to be the best season anyone's ever seen,&rsquo; or anything like that. I'm just going to kind of take it one step at a time.&rdquo; <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> emphasized, &ldquo;I always try to be the greatest I can be, and I'm going to go out and do that.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The Broncos are in a Super Bowl window so long as Manning is upright and healthy. <span class="spellcheck">Sambrailo</span> will be one of the players charged with keeping him well-protected during the 2015 season.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand.&nbsp;Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database. </em></p>
<p><em>Contract and salary-cap information provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/"><span class="spellcheck">Spotrac</span></a>. Transaction history provided by&nbsp;</em><a href="http://prosportstransactions.com/"><em>Pro Sports Transactions</em></a><em>.</em>&nbsp;</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos" title="Denver Broncos analysis, news and photos">Denver Broncos</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>Wed, 29 Jul 2015 07:00:04 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2533160-why-ty-sambrailo-has-everything-to-prove-in-denver-broncos-training-camp
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2533160-why-ty-sambrailo-has-everything-to-prove-in-denver-broncos-training-camphttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2533160-why-ty-sambrailo-has-everything-to-prove-in-denver-broncos-training-campFootballNFLAFC WestDenver BroncosOpinionDenver Broncos: Biggest Storylines Ahead of Training CampTravis Wakeman<p>The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a> will open training camp Friday, marking the official start of a quest for a championship.</p>
<p>The Broncos may have a new coaching staff in place, but the hope of winning the Super Bowl has not faded. With <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/peyton-manning">Peyton Manning</a> at 39 years old, this might be his last chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. In fact, this could be the last training camp of Manning's career.</p>
<p>There are several other important storylines ready to play out once camp gets underway, and we're here to detail those now.</p>
<p>As the coaching staff sets out to determine the best possible 53-man roster, fans should also be keeping an eye on the following five storylines.</p>
<p>Read on for more details regarding each of these developments.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2533657-denver-broncos-biggest-storylines-ahead-of-training-camp">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Wed, 29 Jul 2015 07:00:03 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2533657-denver-broncos-biggest-storylines-ahead-of-training-camp
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2533657-denver-broncos-biggest-storylines-ahead-of-training-camphttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2533657-denver-broncos-biggest-storylines-ahead-of-training-campFootballNFLAFC WestDenver BroncosPreview/PredictionDenver Broncos to Watch in Training Camp: LB Shane RayCecil Lammey<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Earlier this month, the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a> <a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-announce-2015-training-camp-schedule/60b39e9c-26d3-46b7-b3e4-c6a693b42d63">unveiled their schedule</a> for training camp. Things kick off at Dove Valley on July 31, and the fans will get to watch the Broncos at their new facility. Last year, training camp was closed to the public while team headquarters underwent a massive construction project.</p>
<p>The Broncos have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. It will be a difficult process to find the best 53-man roster possible&mdash;and it will take most of the month of August to do so.</p>
<p>There will be positional battles at multiple spots as the Broncos establish their depth chart for the 2015 season. This pecking order will largely be determined by players' performances in training camp.</p>
<p>In this edition of "Broncos To Watch in Training Camp," we take a look at 2015 first-round pick linebacker Shane Ray.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Dove Valley Quotes</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Rookies reported to team headquarters Monday, and Ray got a chance to speak to the Broncos media after checking in.</p>
<p>For the first time under the guidance of general manager John Elway, the Broncos moved up in the first round of the draft. With Ray falling to them, the opportunity was too good to pass up. Ray feels no pressure in being a high draft pick.</p>
<p>"Not at all. For me, it&rsquo;s football. It&rsquo;s what I&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> been doing my whole life, so nothing really changes. As long as you work hard and work for what you want to do, I feel like you can be successful at whatever you want," Ray said. "That&rsquo;s kind of my motto, and it&rsquo;s how I live."</p>
<p>Playing in Denver, Ray knows he&rsquo;ll have to get used to the altitude of the Mile High City. Ray has been preparing his body for high-level performance this far above sea level.</p>
<p>"I&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> been here for a month running and training with [strength and conditioning coach] Luke [<span class="spellcheck">Richesson</span>] and the strength staff. I feel like I&rsquo;m in the best shape that I could possibly be in as far as entering this camp."</p>
<p>Ray&rsquo;s playing weight has been a question mark this offseason. He needs to bulk up to work well as a run defender, but he <span class="spellcheck">doesn</span>&rsquo;t want to lose any of his trademark quickness and speed.</p>
<p>"Right&nbsp;now I&rsquo;m 247 [pounds]. I plan on playing between 245 and 250. That&rsquo;s where I want to stay. It&rsquo;s where I feel most comfortable keeping my speed and my athleticism."</p>
<p>The rookie knows he must stand strong against the run, and he&rsquo;s sought out the advice of Von Miller and <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/demarcus-ware">DeMarcus Ware</a>.</p>
<p>"Von speaks about it a little more than DeMarcus. Von talks about playing the run first because those are the harder downs. You dominate the run, and then the pass rush is where you get to do what you love to do," Ray said. "You take care of the first couple downs, set the edge, play the run, stop them and get them in 3rd-and-long, and then it&rsquo;s what you do every day: You pass rush, and you go get the quarterback. That&rsquo;s what I work on."</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Positives</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Ray plays football like a man possessed. Explosion is the name of the game with this pass-rusher, and he gets off the snap in the blink of an eye. He does a good job of anticipating the snap, and he can blow by blockers before they even get set up in their stances.</p>
<p>Once the quarterback is in his sights, Ray does a great job of bursting in to finish the job. Ray plays like he hates quarterbacks, and he arrives to the ball with natural violence.</p>
<p>He's got the athleticism to cover in the open field, and Ray has sought the guidance of the veterans around him.</p>
<p>"Von helps me a lot in coverage, and DeMarcus helps me a lot with my hands and pass rush. They&rsquo;re two different players and two different athletes, so I take little pieces from each one of them and apply them to myself," he said.</p>
<p>Ray does a good job of using a variety of moves to get to the quarterback. He <span class="spellcheck">doesn</span>&rsquo;t lose speed when changing directions, and he will pursue the ball-carrier when the play goes away from him.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Negatives</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>There <span class="spellcheck">aren'</span>t many negatives to Ray&rsquo;s game. However, one of the first things Ray must prove is his health. A turf toe injury plagued Ray during the <span class="spellcheck">pre</span>draft process earlier this year, and it has also prevented him from getting in much work during offseason workouts.</p>
<p>Ray said he's healthy now.</p>
<p>"I&rsquo;m 100 percent&mdash;full go. All drills, 100 percent. The issue was that I <span class="spellcheck">didn</span>&rsquo;t have any time to rest during the <span class="spellcheck">pre</span>draft process and get the proper treatment. As soon as I got here, I got the things that I needed, the treatment that I needed and the <span class="spellcheck">orthotics</span> that I needed, and my recovery happened like it was supposed to," he said. "Now it is not an issue."</p>
<p>With his toe injury behind him, Ray is ready to get back in action on the practice field.</p>
<p>"Now that I<span>&rsquo;</span>m a full go and I don&rsquo;t have any issues with my foot, it&rsquo;s back to what I was doing in college: having fun, rushing the passer and even dropping into coverage. It&rsquo;s all of those things. I&rsquo;m excited."</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What to Watch For</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The Broncos are set to have a ferocious defense in 2015. They&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> already got two of the best pass-rushers in the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a>, and adding Ray to the mix should make them even more dangerous.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Miller has the potential to snare 20 sacks this season for the Broncos. Ware should get 10 or more sacks, but he has to prove he can have staying power as the season rolls on after getting only two sacks in the final eight games of 2014.</p>
<p>We&rsquo;ll see Ray give breathers to both Miller and Ware this season.</p>
<p>"I&rsquo;m learning both linebacker positions to help&nbsp;DeMarcus and&nbsp;Von, and I&rsquo;m growing as an all-around football player for what they want me to do," he said.</p>
<p>Ray is ready to prove his critics wrong.</p>
<p>"I&rsquo;m very eager. I think that sometimes people forget that I was SEC Defensive Player of the Year because of where I fell in the draft and my situation. For me to come out and remind everybody of what I&rsquo;m still capable of doing is very important to me."</p>
<p>It won<span>&rsquo;</span>t be a surprise to see Ray talked about as the Rookie Defensive Player of the Year in the NFL. He&rsquo;s got the natural talent, and he&rsquo;s got the motivation to play better than even his biggest supporters think he&rsquo;s capable of. With a guy like Ray, it&rsquo;s best not to doubt him&mdash;instead, just sit back and enjoy the view.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand.&nbsp;Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database. </em></p>
<p><em>Contract and salary-cap information provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/"><span class="spellcheck">Spotrac</span></a>. Transaction history provided by&nbsp;</em><a href="http://prosportstransactions.com/"><em>Pro Sports Transactions</em></a><em>.</em></p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos" title="Denver Broncos analysis, news and photos">Denver Broncos</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>Tue, 28 Jul 2015 07:00:00 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2532794-denver-broncos-to-watch-in-training-camp-lb-shane-ray
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2532794-denver-broncos-to-watch-in-training-camp-lb-shane-rayhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2532794-denver-broncos-to-watch-in-training-camp-lb-shane-rayFootballNFLAFC WestDenver BroncosDeMarcus WarePreview/PredictionVon MillerTop Position Battle to Watch in Denver Broncos Training CampTeam Stream Now<img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p><p class="ui-droppable">The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a> are nearing the start of training camp under new head coach Gary Kubiak.</p><p class="ui-droppable">Which position battle will be the most important for the team?</p><p class="ui-droppable">Watch as Bleacher Report NFL Analyst Matt Miller makes his pick in the video above.</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos" title="Denver Broncos analysis, news and photos">Denver Broncos</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>Mon, 27 Jul 2015 14:58:03 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2532433-top-position-battle-to-watch-in-denver-broncos-training-camp
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2532433-top-position-battle-to-watch-in-denver-broncos-training-camphttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2532433-top-position-battle-to-watch-in-denver-broncos-training-campFootballNFLAFC WestDenver BroncosOpinionPredicting Denver Broncos' Training Camp StandoutsCecil Lammey<p>The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a> start training camp on Friday, July 31. Things are going to look a lot different at training camp compared to last year.</p>
<p>First, the staff has seen a major overhaul since the 2014 season ended abruptly with a playoff loss to the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/indianapolis-colts">Indianapolis Colts</a> in the divisional round. Head coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase bolted for the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/chicago-bears">Chicago Bears</a>, and they have been replaced by Gary Kubiak and Rick Dennison, respectively. The new offense will feature a zone-blocking system and a more balanced attack that should feature a strong ground game.</p>
<p>Changes abound on the defensive side of the ball too.</p>
<p>Jack Del Rio is now the head coach of the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>, and he has been replaced by new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. With the help of position coaches like Bill Kollar, the Broncos should forge a defensive identity and have an aggressive unit that swarms to the quarterback.</p>
<p>The roster has seen turnover as well. The Broncos used free agency, trades and the draft to acquire new&mdash;and hopefully better&mdash;talent for 2015. In addition to the new guys, there are players already on the team who could see a bigger role this season.</p>
<p>Here are some players who could be standouts <span>for the Broncos&nbsp;</span>during training camp this year.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2531908-predicting-denver-broncos-training-camp-standouts">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Mon, 27 Jul 2015 07:00:01 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2531908-predicting-denver-broncos-training-camp-standouts
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2531908-predicting-denver-broncos-training-camp-standoutshttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2531908-predicting-denver-broncos-training-camp-standoutsFootballNFLAFC WestDenver BroncosPreview/PredictionBrock OsweilerC.J. AndersonDenver Broncos: Grading the Strength of Every Position Unit Before Camps BeginCecil Lammey<p>The start of training camp for the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a> is now less than 10 days away. Things get kicked off at Dove Valley on July 31, and the Broncos are building for what they hope is a Super Bowl championship. Things fell short last season, but many things are different heading into this season.</p>
<p>The Broncos hired Gary Kubiak to be their new head coach after parting ways with John Fox. Kubiak has years of experience as a head coach, and he has a strong personal relationship with general manager John Elway. The new offense should be more balanced than Broncos fans are used to with quarterback <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/peyton-manning">Peyton Manning</a> under center.</p>
<p>Defensively, there have been major changes from last year&rsquo;s roster and coaching staff. Wade Phillips takes over as the new defensive coordinator in 2015. Unlike former coordinator Jack Del Rio, Phillips should run a blitz-happy defense that brings pressure from all over. Even though the team has a future Hall of Fame quarterback, the identity may be forged on the defensive side of the ball this year.</p>
<p>In this article, let's take a look at and grade each positional unit on the Broncos roster to see just how good the roster is as a whole.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2528424-denver-broncos-grading-the-strength-of-every-position-unit-before-camps-begin">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:25:25 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2528424-denver-broncos-grading-the-strength-of-every-position-unit-before-camps-begin
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2528424-denver-broncos-grading-the-strength-of-every-position-unit-before-camps-beginhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2528424-denver-broncos-grading-the-strength-of-every-position-unit-before-camps-beginFootballNFLAFC WestDenver BroncosPreview/Prediction